On 10 April 2001, during a parliamentary
debate in the House of Commons, London, many MPs discussed about the
earthquake disaster in Gujarat. Dr. Rudi Vis, MP for Finchely and Golders
Green (London), lauded the massive relief work conducted by BAPS.

In an official report published by the
House of Commons, 'Parliamentary Debates', Dr. Rudi Vis said:
" I want to focus on the earthquake in Gujarat. I have met constituents
of all faiths, races and backgrounds who have contributed in one way
or another to many victims and loved ones of that horrible earthquake,
which took place on 26 January 2001 ...

"Quite a few immediately went to India
to help. Most of our schools helped with fund-raising in imaginative
ways; temples, mosques, churches and synagogues sprang into action.
I am honored to represent a constituency containing so many people who
immediately went out of their way to help India in whatever manner they
could think of and I am sure that I am not the only Member present with
such constituents ...

" I also wrote to Ministers about
the enormous work undertaken in India by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
who have provided food, medicine, clothing and many other necessities
for the survivors of the earthquake. The distribution of relief material
was the initial focus of BAPS; help was given to about 300 towns and
villages by 6,500 volunteers, including doctors and many professionals.
To give but one example, well over 1.5 million pouches of water have
already been provided by BAPS. All the volunteers offer honorary services
and the organization has zero administration costs - remarkable in itself
- so every pound donated goes directly and in full to the relief of
the sufferers.
At present, rehabilitation of the homeless is the focus for BAPS; there
is an imaginative low-cost, sponsor-a-home scheme and a hospital with
modern facilities is being constructed in Bhuj ...

"I had planned to say a few more things
but as time is limited and other hon. Members want to speak. I shall
point out only that if people want further information they should please
consult the website - www. swaminarayan.org."